ARMADA – a computer model of the impact of environmental factors on health

Environmental impact assessments are conducted on many developments as part of the planning process. There is currently wide interest in developing tools for assessing the impact on the health of the local population of proposed developments that will cause environmental changes. A computer model called ARMADA (Age Related Morbidity And Death Analysis) is described that provides a framework for investigating such health impacts. ARMADA generates estimates of age-related patterns of morbidity and mortality within the local population. These estimates incorporate the demographic features of the population in question and base-line information about the incidence of the disease classes being considered.